Southwest Broadens Reach: RSW Adds New Routes, Opening Doors for Gulf Coast Travelers

Southwest now connects RSW to 23 nonstop destinations across the U.S., offering roughly 200+ weekly flights. The roster spans major hubs and regional airports, giving Naples–Fort Myers area flyers convenient access to cities like Chicago-Midway (MDW), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Indianapolis (IND), St. Louis (STL), Milwaukee (MKE), Pittsburgh (PIT), Nashville (BNA) and more.

That breadth makes RSW a surprisingly powerful launch point for travel — not just within Florida, but coast-to-coast across the U.S.

Starting in early 2026, Southwest will launch a seasonal nonstop route between RSW and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).

This opens up Austin’s thriving music, tech, and culture scene to Southwest-Florida travelers. For those in Naples, Marco Island, Cape Coral, or Bonita Springs, it’s now easier than ever to book a weekend escape or winter getaway — without a layover.

For locals, the expanded network turns RSW into more than just the airport you use to fly home for holidays — it becomes a gateway. Want to catch a show in Chicago? Visit family in Indianapolis? Or plan a fall trip to St. Louis or Denver (via connection)? The nonstop options just got a lot broader.

Tourists and snowbirds likewise benefit: folks traveling to or through the Naples–Fort Myers region now have more direct, convenient connections. That could help bring more off-season visitors or make longer stays more feasible.

The added Austin route also suggests seasonal travel demand remains strong — and that Southwest expects enough traffic between Texas and Southwest Florida to sustain the new flight.

With 75 total nonstop destinations served (via 16 different airlines), RSW is no longer just a regional airport — it’s a full-blown hub for both leisure and business travel.

That puts the Naples–Marco area in a better position: whether you’re a local wanting to hop a quick flight, a business traveler lining up trips, or a potential visitor checking travel convenience, RSW now offers serious connectivity.

Nonstop flights are great — but schedules shift with demand and seasons. “Popular” routes may run daily now, seasonal flights may adjust, and fares often fluctuate, especially around holidays and spring break.

If you plan to fly from RSW to lesser-traveled destinations, double-check departure days and seasonal availability. Looking for best fares? Mid-week flights or off-season travel tend to yield better deals.